Cygnett GrooveTooth Talk

A compact and simple Bluetooth speakerphone for the car, Cygnett’s GrooveTooth Talk is an ideal solution for those on a budget. While it doesn't boast the same quality as its competitors, its slightly cheaper asking price means it may appeal as an affordable alternative for some.

The GrooveTooth Talk is compact but in terms of aesthetics its design isn't ideal for modern vehicles. The matte black and silver plastic casing looks somewhat tacky and unattractive. That being said, its magnetic clip that attaches to the sun visor works well. Conveniently, it can also clip onto any air-conditioning vent. Depending on your vehicle layout, the latter may be a better option for outgoing sound than the regular sun visor mount.

Operation of the GrooveTooth Talk is fairly straightforward. Turning on the unit automatically puts it into pairing mode. Once paired, operation centres around the connect button and the two volume buttons. Pressing the connect button answers incoming calls and ends current ones, while holding this button for three seconds during a call transfers the sound from the GrooveTooth Talk to your mobile phone — handy if you are on a call when you need to exit your vehicle. The buttons are flat but provide reasonable tactility and don’t require a lot of force to press.

Audio quality is passable, but it’s certainly not outstanding. Our callers didn’t complain terribly about outgoing audio, though the microphone doesn’t seem to pick up as much of our voice as it should; you may have problems if you lean right back in the driver's seat or want your passenger to become involved in the conversation. Incoming audio is solid, and we found volume levels to be excellent. Wind noise can detract from a conversation despite the presence of noise suppression and echo cancellation technology, so it’s best to keep windows closed while using this unit.

In addition to regular call functions, the GrooveTooth Talk also boasts some slightly more advanced features. It can redial the last number called, mute calls, activate voice dialling (provided this is supported on your handset) and can also place calls on hold. Conveniently, the unit can pair with and remember up to eight devices.

Cygnett claims the GrooveTooth Talk is capable of seven hours of talk time and 460 hours standby off a full charge. An in-car charger and USB cable are included in the sales package and mean the unit can be charged either in your vehicle or through a PC.